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CFA exam

Hi,
Do you have any tips for preparing for the CFA? And could you please share your experience about the program?

Thank you in advance!

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Top answer
on Mar 05, 2025

I am a level 2 candidate. If you are preparing for the L1, follow these tips:

1)Use mind maps. Start with ethics. Just have a mental picture of all the standards in a piece of paper and revise everyday for 5 minutes to get a gist
2)Use this Chatgpt prompt: I am preparing for level 1. Make a comprehensive list of questions keeping in mind blooms' taxonomy of learning level 1 to 3 for this chapter'' Inventories'' example. 
3) Revise summary notes from cfa curriculum, mind maps and these questions. This will help you solidify concepts
4) Strictly adhere to the questions from CFA curriculum and yes there is no need of buying the practice pack until you are sure.
5) Instead of passively reading, actively engage with the concepts. Apply in real life 

Keep 4 weeks for revision. Do one mock. Pace up and do a second mock if needed. I hope this answer helps you. please ask if you need any clarificiatoon

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edited on Mar 06, 2025
JPMorganChase | CFA® Charterholder | IIFT Delhi (MBA Silver Medalist, Rank-2) | BITS Pilani | DPS (Gold Medalist)

Hi Shila,

I'm a CFA® Charterholder and sharing the below from my own experiences:

Tips for Preparing for the CFA:

  • Start Early: Begin your studies well in advance to avoid cramming. The CFA curriculum is extensive, and spreading out the workload will help you retain information better.
  • Break It Down: Tackle the material section by section. Focus on mastering each topic before moving on, and use practice questions to reinforce your understanding.
  • Use CFA Institute’s Resources: The curriculum provided by the CFA Institute is comprehensive, so make sure to go through it thoroughly. Supplement with third-party study materials if needed.
  • Practice, Practice, Practice: Use mock exams and practice questions to get a feel for the exam format and improve your time management. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with the type of questions you’ll encounter.
  • Focus on the Weaker Areas: After your first pass through the material, review your weaker areas more intensely. Spend extra time where you're not as confident.
  • Stay Consistent: Aim for regular, daily study sessions. Consistency is key to staying on track, especially for such a challenging exam.
  • Take Care of Yourself: Remember to rest, eat well, and maintain a balance. Burnout can be a real challenge during CFA prep, so take breaks when needed.

My Experience with the CFA:

  • The CFA program was definitely one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I’ve had. The volume of material can feel overwhelming at times, but the sense of accomplishment after each exam is incredible.
  • I found the focus on ethics, financial analysis, and portfolio management to be especially insightful, and the program really pushed me to think critically about financial decision-making.
  • I experienced ups and downs, particularly during the study months when balancing work, life, and studying was tough. However, the sense of discipline and focus I gained during preparation is something I still carry with me.
  • In the end, completing the CFA is an accomplishment that can open many doors professionally, both in terms of skill development and credibility in the finance world.

    All the best!

    Harrshit

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